11.38: The Elemental Relationship as a Sub-Genre

In 'And I Darken,' Kiersten White tells the story of Lada and Radu, siblings and children of the prince of Wallachia, who are taken as hostages by the Ottoman Empire. Lada, a fierce and ruthless girl, and Radu, her beautiful and meek brother, must navigate the complexities of Ottoman politics and their own relationships. Lada forms a toxic triangle with Radu and Mehmed, the future sultan, as they struggle with loyalty, love, and survival in a world where women are expected to be weak and powerless. The novel explores themes of feminism, historical fiction, and the political intrigue of the Ottoman Empire.

The Lies of Locke Lamora is set in the fictional city of Camorr, where Locke Lamora, an orphan and a skilled thief, leads a group of con artists known as the Gentleman Bastards. Under the tutelage of Father Chains, a blind priest who is actually a criminal mastermind, Locke and his crew plan and execute elaborate heists. The story follows Locke's life from his childhood to his rise as a thief, as he and his crew navigate the complex and dangerous world of Camorr's criminal underworld, facing threats from powerful figures like Capa Barsavi and the Gray King.